This dissertation considers the determinants of countries' real income per capita, controlling for the effects of their physical location. We use meta-analysis to summarize the results of previous research, and then apply a new estimator to control for spatial effects in a system of simultaneous...

This paper addresses the timing of a location's historical transition from rural to urban activity. We test whether urbanization occurs sooner in places with higher agricultural potential and comparatively lower transport costs, using worldwide data that divide the earth's surface at half-degree...

The impact of U.S.-grown maize on Mexican markets is a subject of heated debate, and is complicated by limited substitution between white and yellow maize as well as regional price differences within Mexico. This article improves on previous analyses using a detailed data set of white maize...

This study examines the wage determination of professional soccer players in the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS). In particular, the authors focus on the superstar effects of the league's top athletes. Given the structure of the league, the MLS-designated player rule and all-star game...